Right here’s How I Write a Resignation Letter That Makes a Good (Final) Impression
I’m all too accustomed to that uncomfortable feeling in your abdomen when you must hit ship on a resignation letter to your supervisor.
(I’ve written 4 over the course of my profession.)
I at all times attempt to inform myself that thousands and thousands give up their jobs each month. However as a people-pleaser, I can by no means appear to shake the nervous vitality.
Because it’s very hardly ever a simple dialog to have, I like to ensure my resignation letter is direct however respectful. Appreciative however intentional. Cordial however skilled. You get it.
Right here’s how you should use your resignation letter to show an ungainly goodbye into an opportunity for a long-term skilled connection. Or on the very least, an opportunity to safe a number of references for the longer term.
Desk of Contents
What’s a resignation letter?
A resignation letter is a proper doc that lets your employer know that you’re resigning from (or leaving) your place.
It’s the official announcement of your departure from the corporate with particulars about your final day and your transition plan.
David Rubie-Todd, co-founder & advertising head at Sticker It notes, “I would say that the resignation letter shouldn’t be an evidence of why you might be leaving. It’s a discover that you’re — nothing extra and nothing much less.”
I couldn’t agree extra. It’s your official assertion that you’ll not be performing your duties and will likely be shifting on from the corporate. We’ll get into what it’s best to and shouldn’t embody a little bit later.
There’s solely been one occasion the place I’ve handed in a bodily resignation letter to my supervisor, however it may be submitted both by electronic mail or print.
I sometimes submit my resignation letter throughout the dialog the place I’m giving my two weeks’ discover or instantly after.
How you can Write a Skilled Resignation Letter
Your resignation letter must be concise and targeted. Embrace the date on the prime, and begin issues off with a proper greeting to your supervisor. Your first paragraph must be your assertion of resignation. Subsequent, embody a physique paragraph or two to mirror in your expertise and briefly focus on your transition plan. And at last, shut with an expression of gratitude, your contact data, and your signature.
The way in which I see it, your resignation letter ought to successfully convey two issues: your gratitude for the chance and your professionalism.
I like to start out the resignation course of with a face-to-face dialog with my supervisor. That manner, I can preserve the precise letter transient and solely concentrate on the related particulars — just like the date of my final day and my exit plan.
There are different contact factors, like the ultimate 1:1s together with your supervisor or your exit interview with HR, the place you possibly can focus on your departure (and the explanations for it) in additional element.
Do you have to use AI to put in writing a resignation letter?
As a author, I exploit AI for very particular functions — like summarizing data or outlining concepts for inspiration. That mentioned, I consider it’s greatest to make use of AI instruments like ChatGPT that can assist you format or finalize your resignation letter.
Right here’s an instance the place I requested ChatGPT to put in writing a easy resignation letter for me.
Granted, I didn’t present any background particulars about my function or expertise with the corporate, however it is a fairly good construction to assist me get began:
[Date]
Expensive [Manager’s Name],
I’m writing to tell you of my choice to resign from my place as [Your Position] at [Company Name], efficient [Last Working Day, typically two weeks from today’s date].
I’ve appreciated the alternatives and experiences I’ve had throughout my time at [Company Name], and I wish to thanks and the crew for the help and steering you supplied me.
I’m dedicated to making sure a easy transition throughout my remaining time right here and can do my greatest to finish any excellent duties or tasks.
Thanks.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
One other one among my favourite methods to make use of AI is to shine my writing, and HubSpot’s AI paragraph rewriter is so nice for this.
You need to use it to experiment with totally different tones and strike the fitting stability. That is particularly useful in the event you’re leaving a job with a foul style in your mouth — been there.
Right here’s an instance:
Unique language: I assume I realized a number of issues from this job, however I would like to maneuver on from this poisonous setting as quickly as attainable.
Up to date with AI paragraph rewriter: Whereas I’ve gained some invaluable insights throughout my time right here, it’s important for my well-being {and professional} development to maneuver on at the moment.
Strive HubSpot’s AI paragraph rewriter without spending a dime.
You can even use it to refresh language from a earlier resignation letter or rework an output from ChatGPT to suit your present scenario.
Both manner, resignation letters are fairly simple, so I say use AI to assist pace up the writing course of.
Resignation Letter Format
I pulled one among my outdated resignation letters from the archive, so let’s use this to speak about format.
(Eliminated all of the juicy particulars, sry.)
January 20, 2022
Expensive [Manager’s Name],
I’m writing to inform you that I’ll be leaving my function as [Role] at [Company]. My final day will likely be February 9, 2022.
I wish to thank [Company] for the entire help and steering I obtained throughout my time right here. It has been a pleasure working alongside people who find themselves actually enthusiastic about giving underrepresented communities the assets they should lead more healthy lives. The Healthcare Staff right here is, undoubtedly, one among a form.
Throughout the subsequent couple of weeks, I’ll work carefully with you to make this transition as easy as attainable, and I’ll attain out to [Colleague] to inform [Client] of my departure.
Wishing the crew continued success, and I sit up for staying in contact.
All one of the best,
Alana Chinn
[LinkedIn]
[Email address]
I’ll break it down additional within the subsequent part for simple reference.
What do I embody in an expert resignation letter?
Date and Greeting
Assertion of Resignation
Expression of Gratitude
Transition Particulars
Closing Paragraph
1. Date and Greeting
This half is simple. Listing the date you’re submitting your resignation letter so HR has a proper submitting date. Then, greet your supervisor with a easy salutation.
Right here’s what I did:
January 20, 2022
Expensive [Manager’s Name],
2. Assertion of Resignation
The truth that you’re leaving your function on the firm is why you’re writing the letter within the first place, so I like to steer with that. State the place you’re resigning from and the date of your final day.
That, people, is your assertion of resignation.
Professional tip: I wouldn’t really feel the necessity to gush right here. In reality, I’d keep away from openings like this: “I am so sorry, however I am resigning from the place of [job title] in two weeks, though it has been a real pleasure working with you all. I do know that is the worst, however I promise, I would not if I did not should.”
Right here’s what I did:
I’m writing to inform you that I’ll be leaving my function as [Role] at [Company]. My final day will likely be February 9, 2022.
3. Expression of Gratitude
For the physique of my resignation letter, I often embody two brief paragraphs. The primary expresses my gratitude for the chance.
Take a second to mirror in your time on the firm. Thank them for the dear coaching, the supportive crew setting, and even simply the work expertise.
If in case you have adverse causes for leaving, attempt to be as particular and real as attainable. I am positive you will discover not less than one benefit of the job … proper?
Right here’s what I did:
I wish to thank [Company] for the entire help and steering I obtained throughout my time right here. It has been a pleasure working alongside people who find themselves actually enthusiastic about giving underrepresented communities the assets they should lead more healthy lives. The Healthcare Staff right here is, undoubtedly, one among a form.
4. Transition Particulars
Onto the second physique paragraph: the one which briefly talks about my transition plan.
Right here, I word how I’ll assist tie up any unfastened ends and make the transition as seamless as attainable on my manner out.
Professional tip: I like to recommend making a separate transition plan that outlines your tasks and duties with full particulars on the way you’ll hand over your tasks. No want to incorporate that in your resignation letter.
Right here’s what I did:
Throughout the subsequent couple of weeks, I’ll work carefully with you to make this transition as easy as attainable, and I’ll attain out to [Colleague] to inform [Client] of my departure.
5. Closing Paragraph
To wrap issues up, I often embody a closing paragraph with effectively needs and a gap to remain in contact. I’ll add a hyperlink to my LinkedIn profile (if we’re not already related) and my private electronic mail deal with.
You possibly can add your telephone quantity too, in the event you really feel moved to take action.
Right here’s what I did:
Wishing the crew continued success, and I sit up for staying in contact.
All one of the best,
Alana Chinn
[LinkedIn]
[Email address]
What To not Embrace in a Resignation Letter
Future Profession Strikes
Distasteful Language
Emotional Attachments
Criticism of Coworkers
Anger or Bitterness
1. Future Profession Strikes
Whilst you can point out the place you are going subsequent, I don’t suggest telling your employer about your new place at size. Maintain issues skilled and concentrate on setting your current crew up for achievement earlier than your departure.
2. Distasteful Language
Whilst you could really feel the urge to criticize your former job, the resignation letter is not the time to air out the soiled laundry.
Belief me, you by no means know whenever you may cross paths together with your outdated colleagues sooner or later — particularly in the event you’re staying in the identical trade.
George Cotter, web optimization guide at Tall Advertising says, “If you’re leaving due to a battle or one thing overtly adverse, bear in mind, you‘re resigning — it says all they should know. You don’t want to inform them once more.”
You’re in your manner out anyway. Let that talk for itself.
3. Emotional Attachments
It’s not unusual to type connections together with your teammates. I’ve been identified to have a piece bestie or two. Nonetheless, save the emotional sentiments for face-to-face conversations.
Your resignation letter is an expert doc, so I say stick with the formalities.
4. Criticism of Coworkers
Much like distasteful language, your resignation letter does not want to incorporate adverse feedback about your colleagues or managers on the firm. The letter is supposed to conclude your tenure — keep targeted.
5. Anger or Bitterness
The fact is you could be leaving a job with some resentment. I do know I’ve.
However expressing anger or bitterness in your manner out will not be the best way to go.
Daniel Cook dinner, HR/advertising government at Mullen and Mullen says, “I prefer to keep away from negativity, as this isn’t the place to air grievances or present criticism concerning the firm or co-workers.
Even when I’m leaving due to adverse experiences, a resignation letter must be targeted on shifting ahead — not on previous complaints.”
Attempt to mirror on constructive moments and the way you gained helpful data concerning the trade reasonably than airing out the soiled laundry.
For extra ideas, watch what HubSpotter Jamal Meneide has to say on the subject of resignation letters:
Free Skilled Resignation Letter Templates
Let’s face it: We’ve nearly every little thing at HubSpot, together with free resignation letter templates (hooray, all of us say in unison). These templates are versatile and tremendous straightforward to customise primarily based in your function.
Obtain the templates without spending a dime.
Job Resignation Letter Templates
HubSpot’s templates are nice in the event you’re searching for some all-purpose choices.
Nonetheless, some positions, like healthcare and C-suite roles, benefit a extra particular letter of resignation whenever you depart.
Under are a few templates for these extra dynamic roles.
1. Contractor Resignation Letter Template
As a contractor, you could want to regulate the main target of your resignation letter to handle your remaining assignments and the way you‘ll be parting methods together with your consumer.
This consists of any unfinished duties and the way you’ll settle for your final fee.
Strive utilizing this template:
[Date]
Expensive [Manager’s Name],
I remorse to tell you that I will likely be resigning from my place because the [Department] Freelancer as my contract with [Company Name] expires on April 20, 2022.
I’ve loved my time right here, and I’ve realized and grown an awesome deal. I’m joyful to have been part of the corporate, and I want to thanks for the alternatives I’ve had.
I’m saddened to be shifting on from the corporate, however I’m going to be taking over new challenges with [New Company Name]. I hope my expertise right here has helped the corporate with its tasks, and I’m joyful to have been part of the crew.
If in case you have any questions or issues, please be at liberty to contact me. I will likely be accessible that can assist you with any remaining tasks.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
2. Govt Resignation Letter Template
A fast electronic mail or two-paragraph discover to your superior won’t suffice as an official resignation in the event you’re in an executive- or senior-level management function.
As a result of these roles are more durable to fill, you may play a extra important function within the transition interval.
Strive utilizing this template:
[Date]
Expensive [Manager’s Name],
Please let this letter function my resignation as [Your Position] at [Company] efficient [Last Working Date].
I’ll cherish the buddies I’ve made and maintain onto the numerous accomplishments which might be a part of my historical past with [Company Name]. As we half methods, I’m proud we had been in a position to [List of Major Accomplishments].
I’m assured that the board will be capable of discover a wonderful alternative for [Your Position] and proceed the corporate’s well-deserved success.
For all future communications, you possibly can attain me by telephone at [Phone Number] or by electronic mail at [Email Address].
I want you and the corporate one of the best sooner or later.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
3. Trainer Resignation Letter Template
As a instructor, you could wish to maintain house to debate your expertise working with college students and the way you’ll assist your short-term or full-time alternative with the transition.
Strive utilizing this template:
[Date]
Expensive [Manager’s Name],
Please settle for this letter as my formal resignation from my place as [Your Position] at [School Name]. To make sure ample time for a easy transition, my final day of employment will likely be [Last Working Day].
My expertise as an educator has been insightful, difficult, and fulfilling, and dealing with the [School Name] college students has introduced me nice pleasure.
Thanks for the chance to put money into the lives of kids by way of studying and play. I’m grateful to have been a part of this crew and can carry the numerous classes I realized with me into my future endeavors.
As a result of the continued success and care of the scholars are of the utmost significance to me, I’m devoted to doing no matter I can to make the transition as seamless as attainable. I’m joyful to coach my alternative on our present curriculum and [List of Responsibilities].
I want all one of the best for the [School Name] college students, lecturers, and administration. Thanks once more in your help and management throughout my time right here.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
4. Nurse Resignation Letter Template
As a nurse, it is vital to offer satisfactory discover of your departure to make sure there aren’t any healthcare disruptions in your sufferers.
You need to use your resignation letter to thank your employer for the expertise and provide coaching help in your successor.
Strive utilizing this template:
[Date]
Expensive [Manager’s Name],
I’m writing to tell you of my resignation as [Your Position] at [Facility Name], efficient two weeks from as we speak. My final day of labor will likely be [Last Working Day].
Working at [Facility Name] has been a rewarding expertise. I’ve loved my time with you and realized an awesome deal about working efficiently with a crew.
It was an honor to work with such devoted workers who’re dedicated to creating [Facility Name] a spot to obtain compassionate care. I thanks for the coaching and the chance to develop with you in my profession. I want all of the residents and workers good luck sooner or later.
When you really feel it could be useful, I’d be joyful to help with the hiring and coaching of my successor over the subsequent two weeks.
Please be at liberty to contact me in case you have any questions. My electronic mail deal with is [Email Address], and my mobile phone quantity is [Phone Number].
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Resignation Letter Examples
Templates are nice, however I’m going to share some hypothetical (!) examples of resignation letters from my present place as Advertising Weblog editor at HubSpot.
That manner, you possibly can see a few of the blanks crammed in with actual data.
Quick Resignation Letter Examples
Quick resignation letters are nice for conditions the place:
You must depart a job abruptly for private (or skilled) causes.
You don’t wish to overshare particulars about your departure or subsequent steps.
You’re sad together with your expertise and wish to stay skilled.
You haven’t been with the corporate for very lengthy.
Listed below are two brief resignation letter examples utilizing my function as an inspo:
Instance 1:
November 15, 2024
Expensive Meg,
I’m writing to tell you that I will likely be resigning from my place as Advertising Weblog Editor at HubSpot on November 30, 2024.
I recognize the chance to develop as a content material strategist throughout my time right here. I’m dedicated to working with you and the remainder of the Weblog crew to facilitate a easy transition earlier than my departure.
Thanks once more for the chance to be part of such a unbelievable crew and HubSpot’s impactful work.
Sincerely,
Alana Chinn
Instance 2:
November 15, 2024
Expensive Meg,
I’m writing to inform you that I’ll be leaving my function as Advertising Weblog Editor at HubSpot. My final day will likely be November 30, 2024.
I wish to thanks, the Weblog crew, and HubSpot for the entire help and steering I obtained throughout my time right here. My aim is to make this transition as easy as attainable over the subsequent couple of weeks.
Wishing the crew continued success, and lots of extra well-timed GIFs.
Sincerely,
Alana Chinn
Lengthy Resignation Letter Instance
Longer resignation letters work effectively if:
You’re leaving on a constructive word and wish to emphasize that.
You’ve been with the corporate for some time and have constructed shut relationships.
You wish to depart issues open to work collectively once more sooner or later.
Right here’s an instance (once more, utilizing my function as an inspo):
November 15, 2024
Expensive Meg,
I’m writing to formally announce my resignation from my place as Advertising Weblog Editor at HubSpot, efficient November 30, 2024. This choice has been made after cautious consideration and reflection of my skilled objectives.
I wish to categorical my gratitude to you and your entire Weblog crew in your help and camaraderie throughout my time right here. Due to HubSpot, I’ve had alternatives for development and studying as a content material strategist that I can take with me.
I’m dedicated to making sure a easy transition throughout my final two weeks with the corporate. I’m keen to help with the handover of my tasks and help any coaching for the appearing editor.
Thanks once more for the chance to be part of the HubSpot Weblog crew. I want you all nothing however continued success sooner or later, and I sit up for preserving in contact.
Sincerely,
Alana Chinn
Skilled Resignation Letter Samples
Haven’t had sufficient but? I’m a agency believer that you could by no means have too many examples. So, listed below are some extra resignation letter samples for much more use circumstances.
1. Gracious Resignation Letter Pattern
For instances when you possibly can actually say you really liked your job:
[Date]
Expensive Supervisor,
I want to inform you that I’m resigning from my place as Information Analyst for Firm A, efficient November 30, 2024.
I recognize the alternatives for skilled growth that you’ve got supplied me over the previous 4 years. I’ve loved my tenure at Firm A, and really feel grateful to have began my profession alongside such a devoted crew.
I’ve accepted a educating place in Virginia. Whereas my expertise at Firm A was rewarding, I am excited to pursue my ardour for educating.
If I may be of any assist throughout this transition, please let me know. I’m keen to assist out with freelance work till you discover a alternative.
Thanks once more for the chance to work at Firm A. I want you all one of the best and sit up for staying in contact. You possibly can electronic mail me at alana@electronic mail.com.
Sincerely,
Alana Chinn
2. Fast Resignation Letter Pattern
For instances when you must depart your job prior to anticipated:
[Date]
Expensive Supervisor,
I remorse to tell you that I am resigning from my place because the Information Analyst at Firm A, efficient instantly.
Whereas my contract requires me to work till December 31, 2024, I’d be grateful if I might stop working instantly. I sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this sudden information could trigger.
Thanks for the unbelievable alternatives you have supplied me to develop professionally and personally.
Please let me know if there’s something I can do to make the transition smoother.
Sincerely,
Alana Chinn
3. Retirement Resignation Letter Pattern
For the time whenever you’re formally, actually, and actually off the clock:
[Date]
Expensive Supervisor,
After a lot consideration, I’ve determined to retire from Firm A on December 31, 2024.
I’ve loved working right here over the previous 10 years, and I’m happy with every little thing our crew has achieved. Although I’m unhappy that this chapter of my life is closing, I’m wanting ahead to touring and spending extra time with my household.
As we put together for my departure, I’m joyful to help with hiring my alternative and anything that may assist make this a easy transition.
Thanks for all of the alternatives and help you’ve got supplied me over time. I want you all one of the best.
Sincerely,
Alana Chinn
4. Prolonged Discover Resignation Letter Pattern
For instances whenever you’re in a position to present ample time for transition:
[Date]
Expensive Supervisor,
Please settle for this letter as discover of my intent to resign from my place as Information Analyst at Firm A on the finish of this quarter. My final day will likely be December 31, 2024.
Whereas it’s robust to depart this unbelievable crew, I will likely be shifting on to pursue an MFA in Artistic Writing on the College of Iowa. It is at all times been my dream to put in writing books and I consider that that is one of the best path for me to realize that.
Thanks for all of the help and steering you’ve got given me over the past 5 years. I’m deeply grateful for the entire alternatives I’ve had right here.
Since my final day is six weeks from now, I’ll work towards finishing my present tasks, together with coaching and handing off my high-level duties to different members of the crew. Please let me know if there’s something I can do which will assist ease this transition.
Sincerely,
Alana Chinn
5. Private Causes Resignation Letter Pattern
For instances when life throws you a curveball:
[Date]
Expensive Supervisor,
I remorse to tell you of my resignation from Firm A. On account of private causes, I’m not in a position to fulfill my duties as Information Analyst. My final day of employment will likely be November 30, 2024.
It has been great working with you and the crew for the previous three years. I actually recognize the alternatives I’ve been given to develop my abilities and develop inside my function.
Over the subsequent two weeks, I’ll work to finish my remaining assignments and hand off my ongoing tasks to different crew members. I’m additionally joyful to help with anything you could want throughout this transition.
Thanks in your steering and understanding. I’ll look again on my time right here at Firm A fondly, and I want you all one of the best sooner or later.
Sincerely,
Alana Chinn
Prepared, Set, Resign
“Bear in mind, your resignation letter is a part of your skilled model, says Harmanjit Singh, founder & CEO of Web site Design Brampton. “It is like your digital footprint — it lasts longer than you may assume.”
My remaining recommendation? Don’t let one unhealthy expertise preserve you from constructing your skilled bridges and preserving your community intact as you begin your subsequent journey.
Editor’s word: This submit was initially printed in October 2018 and has been up to date for comprehensiveness.
